University Creates Commission on Women

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Amy Farmer, chair of the Commission on Women

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Chancellor G. David Gearhart and Provost Sharon L. Gaber are pleased to announce the formation of the University of Arkansas Commission on Women. Building on the work of an ad hoc task force of faculty and staff that met last fall, the commission will serve as an advisory group on issues such as work/family balance, mentoring among faculty and staff, campus safety and environment and other issues that may have an impact on women.

“The research into the work of women’s commissions was under way when I came to the university,” said Gaber. “I served on a similar commission a number of years ago and believe the group can provide valuable oversight and advice to both of us. There is a heightened national awareness about the gains and gaps in the status of women; the timing of bringing that focus to the University of Arkansas couldn’t be better.”

Amy Farmer, professor of economics and holder of the Margaret Gerig and R.S. Martin Jr. Endowed Chair in Business in the Sam M. Walton College of Business, will serve as the inaugural chair of the commission. Other members include Margaret Reid, professor and chair of the department of political science in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences; Kim Needy, professor and department head of industrial engineering and holder of the Twenty-First Century Professorship in Engineering; Melissa Harwood-Rom, associate athletic director; Aisha Kenner, associate dean of students; Veronikha Salazar, associate director of the multicultural center; Capt. Kathryn Huddler of the University of Arkansas Police Department; Janell Prater, library technician at Mullins Library; Kelly Carter, program coordinator for Honors College; Sarah Smith, junior, Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences; Sonya Garrison, sophomore, College of Education and Health Professions; Haley Heath, second year student in the School of Law.

Ex-officio members will include delegates from the Faculty Senate, the Staff Senate, the Associated Student Government, the provost’s office, and the chancellor’s office.

“It is our hope that the group will review and monitor policies, programs and issues to ensure that all women of the university are given the best possible opportunities for success within the institution and in their professional and college careers,” said Gearhart.

The first meeting of the Commission on Women will be held in early March.